The future of modern dentistry is now available with Dr. Stephen Hoard. Using Laser technology in his New Bern, NC dentist office, Dr. Hoard offers his patients state of the art dental care. It is estimated that fewer than 10% of dentists have incorporated laser dentistry techniques into their practices and treatments. Laser dentistry is a general dentistry service that Dr. Hoard offers to patients that are a good fit for it.
What Can Laser Dentistry Do?
Dental lasers allow Dr. Hoard to perform many soft tissue procedures that traditionally require surgery. Laser dentistry allows the dentist to isolate the precise treatment area which reduces trauma to other parts of the mouth. This reduces the need for anesthesia before the procedure and additionally reduces bleeding and swelling during and after the procedure. Patients experience little if any postoperative pain following use of a laser.
Procedures Commonly Performed with Laser Dentistry:
One of the most common procedures that Dr. Hoard uses the dental laser for is cosmetic reshaping of the gums. Patients who have a “gummy smile” benefit greatly from having excess gum tissue removed to expose more of the tooth structure. This technology is also instrumental in completing smile makeovers that are extremely natural looking.
Other procedures include:
- Treatment of gum disease and gingivitis
- Treat and accelerate healing of canker sores and cold sores
- Biopsies
- Treatment of abscess
- Tissue removal for dental implants and slow erupting teeth
Laser Dentistry FAQ’s
Is laser deep cleaning painful?
There should be very little discomfort at all during a laser cleaning procedure. It’s because of this that most patients don’t even receive a local anesthetic before the procedure begins. Like anything else, if you’re experiencing pain, you should alert your dentist.
Do gums grow back after laser surgery?
No. After gum tissue is removed as a result of laser deep cleaning surgery, the gum will not grow back. But with good and consistent oral hygiene, the new form that your gums take after the surgery should remain.
How long does laser gum surgery take to heal?
Like any other procedure, healing times depend on the severity of whatever dental issue is being treated. That being said, healing time, on average, for laser gum surgery is anywhere from 2-4 weeks.